Virat Kohli Was Like Cat On Hot Tin Roof, Ready To Punch: Ravi Shastri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri and captain Virat Kohli formed a formidable duo that elevated Indian cricket, particularly in the Test arena. Under their tenure, there was zero compromise on fitness, and the team became significantly fitter - a change that translated into performance on the field. 

Kohli led from the front, raising fitness standards to unprecedented levels. The famous Yo-Yo test was also introduced under his leadership.

Speaking on the LiSTNR Sport podcast, Shastri revealed how serious Kohli was about fitness. "He would show them up otherwise. Because if you're running between the wickets, and if you’re a lazy bugger, you will soon find out.

“If you are looking for a second run and if you're panting, and if he's looking for a third and you're yet to complete the second, immediately the message would be 'get to that bloody gym and start training, and get fitter'.”

Kohli has always been an aggressive presence on the field, instilling an attacking brand of cricket in the Indian team. While he has mellowed somewhat over the years, Shastri recalled that he never hesitated to confront his own batters when mistakes were made.

"At times, I had to calm him down. If a wicket went down, he would jump out of his seat. I would say, 'Calm down. Let him cross half-way at least. Don't meet him when he's just 10 yards away from the stumps, you know. Come near the boundary line, then cross him'. He was like a cat on a hot tin roof, ready to get out there and punch him. That's Virat for you.”

Kohli, who has retired from T20Is and Tests, is now active only in ODIs. His last international outing came during the Champions Trophy held in February-March, but the 36-year-old will be back in action during the three-match ODI series in Australia, starting October 19.